Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 14:25:29 -0600
From: Michael king <thewriter1@live.ca>
Subject: Lives changed 3-C

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. The people do not exist except in my
mind. This work is copyrighted and I ask that you do not copy, post or
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to be in here or it is illegal in your state then please leave, as I do not
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NOTE:

I know that we all enjoy these pages and wish for them to be here for a
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I want to take this time also to thank everyone that has sent me a note. A
special thanks to Larry in California, Ricky in Louisiana and to a great
writer and friend, Miguel Sanchez.

Lives Changed
Chapter 3-C: Trials and Tribulations

Tuesday morning Malcolm was sitting in the courthouse dressed in jeans and
a shirt. His lawyer still hadn't shown up and Malcolm was getting worried.

"Mr. Daniels if you will follow me, please, your case is about to be
called," a sheriff's deputy spoke up.

"Okay, which case though? I am supposed to be in two different court
rooms," Malcolm answered.

"Oh, it's your competency hearing."

"Okay, let's go."

Sitting in the front of the courtroom, Malcolm was alone when the judge
came in.

"Mr. Daniels, I see that you are alone. Would you care to tell me where
your lawyer is?" the judge asked.

"I wish I could, sir, but it seems that someone messed up. You see, sir, I
am supposed to be both in here and also in another court room at the same
time," Malcolm replied.

"Well, that does seem to present a bit of a problem."

"Your Honor, I am Mr. Jeffries for Mrs. Daniels. I don't see the problem
here. We are ready to proceed and we wish to have this matter heard and
over with."

"Mr. Daniels, do you have a problem dealing with this on your own?"

"Yes and no, sir. I mean, I can answer a lot of questions, but when it
comes time to ask them I will be lost. I am not a lawyer."

"Very well then. Bailiff, find out what other court room Mr. Daniels is
supposed to be in, and find out if his lawyer is there."

"Mr. Jeffries, state what you have and let's get started."

"Yes, Your Honor. Mrs. Daniels here claims that her son is incompetent and
that he should be placed in a school or facility that can control
him. Mrs. Daniels also claims that Malcolm Daniels kicked her out of her
house, going so far as to tell her to also leave behind her jewelry. As a
result of his actions, Mrs. Daniels now lives in a run down apartment and
works as a secretary in a doctor's office. What she is asking of the court
is to commit young Mr. Daniels to a school or psychiatric facility and to
order him to let her back into her home."

"Mr. Jeffries, do you have any proof that she owns the house?" Malcolm
asked.

"No, I do not. From what I understand you didn't let her take anything with
her except some clothes. Your Honor, I would like to call Mrs. Daniels to
the stand."

"Your Honor, I object to this, since she is my mother I feel that what she
has to say would be objectionable and one-sided."

"Mr. Daniels, I understand what you're saying, but the court has to hear
both sides before a decision could be made."

"Yes, sir. I will retreat a bit."

"The word is withdraw, but I understand what you meant," the judge laughed.

"Thank-you, sir."

"Mrs. Daniels, please take the stand."

Mrs. Daniels had just been sworn in when the bailiff walked up and
whispered to the judge.

"Mr. Daniels it seems that your lawyer is busy trying to stop a bench
warrant for your arrest from being issued."

"Your Honor, this further demonstrates that Mr. Daniels is unable to handle
his life," Mr. Jeffries spoke.

"I think just the opposite, sir. Now ask your questions of Mrs. Daniels and
let's get this done," the judge stated.

"Yes, sir. Mrs. Daniels, how would you say your relationship is with your
son?" Mr. Jeffries asked.

"There isn't one, not since he kicked me out," Elizabeth said as she glared
at Malcolm.

"What about when you were at home?"

"He was rebellious, mouthy, kept telling me to go to hell. He was just too
hard to handle."

"Mrs. Daniels, what was the cause of most of the contention?"

"His long hair, and the people he hangs out with."

"What is it that bothers you about the people he hangs out with?"

"Why, they are nothing but trash! I've told him that over-and-over."

"What else was there?"

"Well, he wrote to some publishing company in New York, and to me that was
below the Daniels name."

"Mrs. Daniels, I don't understand that. Please explain," the judge asked.

"Simple. A Daniels should not be associated with writers and people of that
nature."

"So you're telling the court that Malcolm Daniels has soiled the Daniels
name?" her lawyer asked."

"Yes, he has."

"I see. Tell me how many books does he have published?"

"I wouldn't know."

"What caused him to kick you out of your home?"

"Well, there was a fight at school for which then he got expelled. Then he
was arrested because of it, but was found not guilty in court. Then he got
involved with the kids who are doing the strike. I told him he had put even
more shame on the family name and that I was going to send him to a private
school. That was when he flipped out and told me to leave and to leave
behind all my jewelry."

"Did you leave?"

"Yes, I left my house. I had to get an apartment and find a job. I am not
even allowed to be near my home."

"No more questions."

The judge spoke: "Mr. Daniels I am going to call a break here, and I hope
you can get your lawyer in here when we come back."

"Your Honor, I will try, but I feel that we will need at least an hour so I
can tell him what has happened so far," Malcolm answered.

"Your Honor, Mrs. Daniels has to be back at work this afternoon. I wish to
have this continued as quickly as possible," Mr. Jeffries intoned.

"I understand, Mr. Jeffries. However, in all fairness I feel that
Mr. Daniels should be allowed to have his lawyer present before we
continue."

"Yes, sir."

"Mrs. Daniels you may step down for now, but when we reconvene you will
have to come back to the stand."

"Sure thing, Your Honor," Elizabeth smiled sweetly at the judge as she took
her seat.

Malcolm was in the hallway rewinding his small cassette recorder when
Mr. Stillman joined him.

"Well, Malcolm, I'm here and sorry for the delay. I had to argue for a date
change on your other case," Mr. Stillman said as he took the cassette from
Malcolm.

"I heard. Now, listen to the tape and let's get back in there. So far my
mother has got things going her way."

Half-an-hour later Malcolm and his lawyer were back in the courtroom. The
judge came back in, and, seeing his lawyer beside Malcolm, smiled.

"I see you found your lawyer, Mr. Daniels," the judge smirked.

"Yes, sir, but I think I might have to get a leash for him," Malcolm sat
back down laughing.

"Very well. Can we now continue, please? Mrs. Daniels, would you return to
the stand. Remember, Mrs. Daniels, you are still under oath."

"Yes, sir."

"Mr. Stillman are you ready to proceed?" the judge asked.

"I am, Your Honor."

Turning, he looked at the witness. "Mrs. Daniels you claim the house is
yours. Is that right?" Mr. Stillman asked.

"I do, yes." Elizabeth answered.

"Did you buy the house?"

"Well, no, I didn't."

"Who did buy it?"

"Objection Your Honor. The house isn't the purpose of this hearing."
Mr. Jeffries shouted.

"Overruled. Answer the question, Mrs. Daniels," the judge snarled.

"That would have been a Marcus Daniels," Elizabeth answered, a sheen of
sweat forming over her upper lip.

"And who is he?" Mr. Stillman asked.

"Malcolm Daniels' uncle."

"Where is this Marcus Daniels now?"

"Dead."

"So he left the house to you in his will?"

"Yes, and all his money."

"I see. Do you have a copy of the will?"

"No, I don't."

"So you can't prove to the court that you actually own the home or are the
sole beneficiary of Marcus Daniels will?"

"No, I can't."

"No more questions."

"Mrs. Daniels, you may step down," said the judge.

"Thank-you, Your Honor," Elizabeth whispered.

"Mr. Jeffries do you have anything else?" the judge asked.

"Yes, Your Honor, we have a psychologist's report and police reports
regarding Malcolm Daniels. I wish to submit them into evidence,"
Mr. Jeffries responded.

"Your Honor, this is something I wasn't aware of. I haven't seen these
reports that he wishes to submit, and they may be prejudicial to my
client," Mr. Stillman said as he stood.

"Is this true Mr. Jeffries?" the judge asked.

"Your Honor, I don't know what Mr. Stillman has or has not seen," Jeffries
replied.

"I see. So you are coming in here without allowing Mr. Daniels' lawyer to
give the best defense he could."

"Your Honor, that is not the case. I was just not aware that Mr. Stillman
didn't have access to these reports."

"Your Honor, that is not true, Mr. Jeffries knew I was Mr. Daniels' lawyer
and as such he should have had them copied and sent to my office as soon as
he got them," Mr. Stillman stated.

"Mr. Jeffries, I find that your reports are inadmissible. Secondly, I hope
that you have nothing else that should have been given to Mr. Stillman,"
the judge snapped.

"No, Your Honor, I don't, although I believe these reports are of
importance." Jeffries mumbled.

"Your Honor, if Mr. Jeffries will allow me time to review these reports, I
may request that he be allowed to introduce them," Mr. Stillman spoke up.

"Very well. Mr. Jeffries, please hand then to Mr. Stillman," the judge
ordered.

"Yes, Your Honor," Jeffries said as he handed over the reports.

"Your Honor, I request that Mr. Jeffries have this Dr. Thompson brought to
the stand," Mr. Stillman said to the judge.

"Mr. Jeffries?" the judge asked as he stared at the man.

"Umm, Your Honor, I don't know. I hadn't planned on needing his testimony,"
Jeffries replied.

"I would suggest you get him in here by this afternoon. In the mean time,
we will recess for lunch. Court will resume at one thirty."

Malcolm left the courtroom and headed out for lunch, his lawyer and two
security agents with him. When they got to Mike's Place, Malcolm called his
dad.

"Richard Daniels' office may I help you?" the receptionist answered.

"Hi, Sandy, is Dad still there?" Malcolm asked.

"Yes, he is, Malcolm. Let me buzz his office," Sandy replied.

"Thanks."

Glancing up as he held on, he saw Maggie standing there.

"Hey, two Big Mikes and a strawberry shake, please," Malcolm ordered.

"Sure, Malcolm. And for you gentlemen?" Maggie asked.

"Hey, Dad, have you got the will from Uncle Marcus?" Malcolm asked, tuning
out the others around him.

"Sure, but I thought you made copies." Richard said.

"I did, but I forgot to bring them."

"Okay, I will get them and bring them to you at the courthouse."

"Okay, thanks. See you there. It starts again at one-thirty."

The rest of the afternoon was taken up with Mr. Jeffries' questioning
Dr. Thompson. At four o'clock the judge recessed for the night, making it
clear that the case would resume promptly at nine the next morning.

Dinner that night was great. It was only spaghetti, but watching Aaron eat
it was a joy. Malcolm was laughing at his spaghetti sauce covered face when
his dad looked up at him.

"You were just as messy when you were his age. In fact, I remember you
getting it on your clothes, too," Richard laughed.

"Dad, I wasn't that bad," Malcolm pouted.

"I have pictures of it," Papa smiled.

"Oh, oh! I guess we won't go there then."

"Can I see those pictures, Pops? I wanna know what he looked like," Aaron
asked.

"After dinner I will show you; well maybe after a shower also," Papa
answered.

"Goodies!"

"I'll get even with you, Papa," Malcolm whispered.

Malcolm was in his room while Zeke and Aaron were sitting with Papa
laughing at the pictures. He was writing the last chapter to his current
story. He had just ended it when the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Malcolm Daniels?"

"Speaking."

I just thought I would warn you not to go to court tomorrow."

"Why?"

"If you do, you will get hurt."

"Okay. Thanks for the warning."

"No problem."

Hanging up, Malcolm went downstairs. Seeing Stan and his partner he walked
over to them.

"Guys can we talk?"

"What you want kid?"

"I want you to lighten up, but I also need your help. Would you come
upstairs, please?"

"Sure, let's get your dad also."

"Thanks."

Back in his room Malcolm waited for the others to show up.

"Malcolm what's wrong?"

"Dad, you heard the phone right?"

"Yes, I supposed you answered it."

"I did. Someone warned me not to go to court tomorrow. They said if I did I
would get hurt."

"They're just trying to scare you, kid," Stan spoke up.

"Well, they succeeded.  What am I supposed to do?"

"Go to court, you have no choice," Stan chided."

"I know that, but what about the warning?"

"We will protect you. That is what we were sent here to do."

"Thanks."

"Son, I will call the Jacobs and see if they can look after Zeke and Aaron
tomorrow. I will be with you in court."

"Thanks, Dad."

"Now off to bed, all three of you."

"Love you, Dad."

"Yeah, love you, Pop!" the brothers chimed in.

The next morning, showered and dressed, Malcolm was about to leave for the
courthouse.

"Not so fast, young man. You have to wait for Stan and me."

"Sorry, I just wish this was over."

"Malcolm, phone call for you."

"Okay, hang on. I'll get it in the hall."

"Okay."

Picking it up, Malcolm held it close to his ear.

"Hello."

"Remember the warning last night? I was serious; don't go to court. You're
being watched all the time."

"I don't have a choice, I have to go. If I don't then I lose the case and
the judge will send me away."

"Look, I know what you have to do. I am just trying to save your life."

"Who are you?"

"A friend. Just leave it at that."

"Okay, but I can't let her win, and I am not going to let the bullies win
their suit either."

"Okay, I will try and help. But get your big boys to cover your back."

"They already do."

"Good, and lots of luck to you, Daniels."

"Thanks."

Malcolm quickly told the agents the gist of the call.

"Stan, call the courthouse, I think we need a shield. I will call the
police and see if we can get a special ride for Malcolm."

"Okay, but I don't think he deserves it."

"Stan, I don't care what you think or feel. Just do it."

"Whatever."

Court was delayed for an hour as the courthouse was searched and a Lexan
shield was put in place. Finally, Malcolm was lead in. Sitting down at the
defense table, he waited with his lawyer for the judge to appear. There was
another shield protecting Mrs. Daniels and her lawyer, which surprised them
both.

"All rise. Court is now in session," he bailiff called out.

"Be seated, and good morning to all," the judge started. "I am sure you
noticed the plates of Plexiglas behind you. I have been informed that one
or all of you are in danger, so this is for your protection. Any
questions?"

"No, Your Honor" both lawyers spoke.

"Mr. Stillman, can we begin?"

"Yes, Your Honor. I recall Dr. Thompson to the stand," Mr. Stillman
replied.

"Dr. Thompson, please take the stand. Remember, you are still under oath,"
the judge reminded him.

"Yes, Your Honor," replied Dr. Thompson.

"Dr. Thompson. Yesterday you said that you interviewed Mr. Daniels. Do you
still hold to that?" Mr. Stillman asked.

"I do." Mr. Thompson answered.

"Can you tell me when and where you did this interview?"

"It was February fifth, and it was at my office."

"Dr. Thompson, do you know the penalty for perjury?"

"No, why should I?"

"Tell me, Dr. Thompson, how can a person be in two places at the same
time?"

"They can't."

"Tell me then, how you could interview Mr. Daniels in your office at the
same time he was in Washington, DC sitting in front of a senate committee?"

"He was in my office."

"I see. No more questions. Oh, and Mr. Thompson please stick around,"
Mr. Stillman added.

"Re-direct, Mr. Jeffries?"

"No, Your Honor," Mr. Jeffries responded.

"Very well. Continue, Mr. Stillman."

"I call Mr. Daniels to the stand."

"Come on up, son." the judge stated.

"Not this one, Your Honor, I meant his father," Mr. Stillman laughed.

"Oh, I'm sorry," The judge said with mirth in his voice.

"Mr. Daniels, do you know why you are here?"

"Yes. I have papers showing that the house and money my wife claims is hers
belongs wholly to my son, Malcolm."

"Would you please give them to the court."

"Sure, but you have to know they are just copies. The originals are locked
safely away," Richard said.

"Mr. Daniels before you hand them over, would you please identify them and
read them for us?" Mr. Stillman asked.

"This is the Will of Marcus Malcolm Daniels. It was probated by a judge
Martinez on the third day of June nineteen hundred and ninety nine."
Richard said, and then started reading.

"I, Marcus Daniels, do hereby state that this is my Last Will and
Testament, and that I am doing this in good health, both physically and
mentally. There are many things in my life that I am sorry for, things that
have made my family turn their backs on me. But through it all, one family
member has stood by me with neither question nor animosity, and so I hereby
bequeath everything I have, monies, homes and all personal property, except
as noted below, to that one person, Malcolm Richard Daniels. It is my
desire that all monies be held in trust until Malcolm reaches the age of
eighteen. The amount as this document is written is some seven hundred
million dollars. I also leave to Malcolm my house in Naples, Florida, my
ranch in San Antonio, Texas, and my seaside villa in Naples, Italy.

To my brother Richard, I leave one hundred thousand dollars to help in
raising his son, Malcolm. To his wife Elizabeth, I leave twenty-five
dollars, and hope that she learns that not everyone is trash.

To my father, Eric Daniels, I leave two-hundred-thousand dollars and pray
that he can learn to forgive me for my mistakes."

"That is the full and complete contents of my brother's Will," Richard
choked; his voice was cracking as he read it.

"Mr. Daniels, are you alright?" the judge asked.

"Yes, sir, I'm fine, Your Honor," Richard said after a minute.

"Mr. Daniels, would you say Malcolm Daniels is incompetent?" Mr. Stillman
asked.

"Quite the opposite, sir. I find him very competent, especially considering
his age," Richard answered with pride in his voice.

"Were you aware that Mrs. Daniels was going to send your son to a private
school?"

"She mentioned it a few times. I told her that my son was not going to a
private school and that was to be the end of it."

"How did you feel when you learned that Malcolm had kicked your wife out of
the house?"

"Upset, but I knew that sooner or later something had to give. They were
like the immovable object and the unstoppable force."

"I don't understand."

"Well, Malcolm and Elizabeth were always fighting. Neither would budge from
their position. Ever since Malcolm started grade four, she wanted him to
get his hair cut, and he refused. They fought over that, they fought over
his friends, and then they fought over the idea of him being a writer. She
wasn't happy with the way he was going on with his life. She felt his
chosen lifestyle was beneath her."

"How did Malcolm learn that the house was his?"

"He overheard Elizabeth and me talking one night after we had a fight."

"No more questions."

"Mr. Jeffries?" the judge asked.

"No questions, Your Honor."

"I call Malcolm Daniels to the stand, Your Honor."

"Mr. Daniels, you realize that you do not have to testify?" the judge
asked.

"I do, Your Honor, but I feel I have to; it is the right thing to do,"
Malcolm stated as he walked forward.

"Very well, come on up."

Malcolm had just sat down on the witness chair when he felt he was falling
backwards, then his head banged against the floor. The echoing sounds of a
gunshot filled the room as people scrambled to their knees trying to hide.

"Seal the courtroom!" yelled the judge.

Slowly sitting up, Malcolm shook his head.

"Owww, damn that hurts!" he said looking at his right shoulder.

Ripping his shirt off he wadded it up and held it tightly against the
bleeding wound. Standing up, he righted the witness chair, sat down, and
looked at everyone, a small smile on his face. "Well, what're the
questions?"

"Mr. Daniels, I am afraid you are in no shape to continue," the judge
replied.

"No, I'm okay. I just got shot at and it hurts, but I won't let whoever did
it win."

"If you are sure, then let's continue. However, if I feel it is too much on
you then I will stop it."

"Okay."

"Bailiff, please find out if the police have whoever it is that shot
Mr. Daniels in custody," the judge ordered, anger tingeing his voice.

"Mr. Daniels, you are a man of amazing constitution. Tell me, do you feel
that you are out of control?" Mr. Stillman asked, his voice still shaking
with fear.

"No," answered Malcolm.

"Do you feel that you were in the right when you told your mother to leave
the house?"

"Yes."

"Are you sorry that you had to do that?"

"Yes."

"Would you let her back?"

"Only if she changed the way she acts towards me and towards my friends."

"How does she treat your friends?"

"Like they are trash. She would rather I hang only with rich society kids."

"And you don't do that?"

"No. I don't care if a person has money or not, they all should be treated
the same."

"No more questions."

"Mr. Jeffries, your witness."

"Mr. Daniels, how are you feeling?"

"A bit dizzy, but okay."

"That's good. Is it true that you flipped out on three boys in your school
and sent them to hospital."

"Sir, that has nothing to do with this case and I can't comment on it due
to the fact that there are legal actions being taken with it."

"Is it true, then, that the three boys are suing you?"

"Again, I cannot comment on that."

"Mr. Daniels, are you a writer?"

"Depends on what you mean by a writer."

"I mean have you had any books published?"

"I think so. I mean there are books out there with my name, or at least the
name I write under, on them."

"Mr. Daniels, did you write to a publishing company in New York?"

"Objection, Your Honor. These questions have nothing to do with this case."

"Mr. Jeffries, I have to agree. Move on."

"Mr. Daniels, have you ever told your mother to go to hell?"

"Yes."

"Why would you do that?"

"She was in my face, riding me about my friends, about my hair, and about
the student strike. I'd had all of it I could stand from her."

"So you told her to go to hell."

"Yes."

"No more questions."

"Mr. Stillman, anything more?" the judge asked.

"No, Your Honor, except that I think Mr. Daniels should be taken to the
hospital," Mr. Stillman responded.

"I agree. Court is in recess until nine tomorrow morning. Mr. Stillman, if
your client is unable to attend, please inform us prior to court time," the
judge ordered.

"I will do that, Your Honor."

"Court adjourned."

Malcolm spent the night in the hospital, his dad, Zeke, and Aaron with
him. Aaron was curled up asleep beside Malcolm when the nurse came in.

"Sir, visiting hours are over, but I can see about bringing in another bed
if you want to stay," she whispered.

"Thank-you. I don't think these two want to leave their brother," Richard
whispered back.

"Okay, I'll get one sent right in."

The next morning the doctor was in early to check on Malcolm and he saw
Aaron curled up with him. Malcolm was awake and just smiled.

"Good morning, young man. Tell me, why didn't you come right to the
hospital when you got shot?" the doctor asked.

"I had to testify," Malcolm said a frown on his face.

"So you put your life in danger for that?"

"I didn't think it was that bad."

"Well, it was. Now I know you have to be back in court this morning, so
what I am going to do is temporarily release you. However, if at any time
you feel like you're going to faint, I want you back here. If you don't
agree to that, then you are going to stay here until I say otherwise. Do I
have your word?"

"Yes, sir, you do."

"Okay, then I will give your dad some painkillers in case you need
them. Now let's get you up and dressed, and this little guy beside you,
also."

"Yeah, I think he might be hungry."

"Uh huh. Morning, Malcolm," Aaron yawned.

"Morning, turkey. Now get yourself up and into the bathroom," Malcolm
smiled as he brushed Aaron's hair from his eyes.

"Okies.

"Can we get some waffles, Pop?" Zeke asked as he stretched.

"Well, lets get Malcolm to the courthouse and then I'll take you to Mike's
Place," Richard answered.

"Yeah, maybe Pat will be there also," Aaron squeaked, breaking into a
smile.

"That might just be," Malcolm said as he swung his legs off the bed.

At the courthouse, the courtroom was searched and extra bailiffs were
called in. When the time came to reconvene, the courtroom was cleared of
everyone except the lawyers, Malcolm, his mother and the court staff.

"All rise, court is now in session," the bailiff intoned in his usual bored
voice.

"Be seated. Mr. Daniels is it good to see you here. However, I have been
informed by your doctor that if you feel faint or if I feel that you need
to rest I am to stop the proceedings. I know that doctors really do not
have any say in the ways courts are handled, but I had to agree with
him. So, do you feel ready to continue?"

"I do, Your Honor."

"Very well then. Mr. Jeffries, are you ready to close?"

"I am, Your Honor."

"How about you, Mr. Stillman?"

"Yes, sir, I am."

"Then lets begin. Mr. Jeffries?"

"Thank-you, Your Honor. Sir, we heard testimony that Mr. Daniels kicked his
mother out of the house, and he even admitted to it. We heard how he beat
those three boys."

"Mr. Jeffries, we did not hear anything to that effect, so please stick to
this case and nothing more," the judge cautioned.

"Yes, Your Honor. We heard testimony that Mr. Daniels is a writer, much to
the dismay of his mother. He refused to follow her orders to get his hair
cut, and to stay away from the kids that he was hanging around with. Sir,
that testimony should prove to the court that Mr. Daniels is rebellious. It
further proves that he has no respect for authority. He has also shown this
lack of respect with the way he speaks against the members of the school
board. He even showed it when he testified at the senate committee
hearing. Your Honor, I ask that you find in favor of Mrs. Daniels and rule
Malcolm Daniels incompetent. Thank you."

"Mr. Stillman do you have anything to say," the judge asked.

"I do, indeed, Your Honor. However I wish to hold off for the moment and
have Mr. Daniels taken back to the hospital. I don't think that my client
is up to much more of this."

"Very well, court is adjourned until Monday at 9:00 AM. Mr. Daniels, I do
hope that you are feeling much better by then," the judge stated, his face
showing concern.

"Thank-you, sir, and I am sorry for this," Malcolm whispered.

"Don't be sorry, young man, just get better."

The next four days Malcolm spent in the hospital. Friday his dad came in
with a huge smile on his face. Malcolm could see Zeke and Aaron hiding
behind the door, also smiling.

"Malcolm, how are you feeling?" Richard asked.

"Okay. My shoulder and arm are sore as hell, but I am kewl," Malcolm said
smiling at his little brothers.

"Good. Now I have to ask you something."

"Sure, what is it?"

"Well, how would you feel if you had two new brothers?"

"Oh, wow! Dad, you did it? I always thought of them as my brothers, but
this makes it legal right?"

"Yes, it does, son, and now Zeke and Aaron really are your brothers."

"Alright Dad! Come on in brothers. I can see you hiding out there."

Aaron was quickly into the room and was soon was again curled up beside
Malcolm, hugging him tight.

"You happy, Malcolm?" Aaron whispered.

"You bet, turkey. I now have two great brothers," Malcolm said as he hugged
both Aaron and Zeke.

Monday morning Malcolm was back in the courtroom as over the weekend the
doctor had released him to go home. Mr. Stillman was there at the door
waiting for him along with six sheriff's deputies and his two secret
service agents.

"Well, Malcolm it is good to see you up and doing better," Mr. Stillman
spoke when he saw Malcolm.

"Thanks, what about the other case?" Malcolm asked.

"Well, we still have that to deal with, but that should only take a few
hours, I hope."

"And what about the person who shot me?"

"The police have him in custody and he has confessed. However, he wants to
make a deal."

"What does he have to deal with? I mean if he confessed to taking the shot
then what?"

"I don't know."

"Well, I'm not going to worry about it. Now, can we get this over with?"

"Sure, lets go in and take our seats."

"I wish I could stand through this. I've been on my back for the last four
days."

"I don't think the judge would like that."

"I know. I was just kidding anyways."

For the next half hour Mr. Stillman spoke, showing the court that Malcolm
was not incompetent and, due to the fact that the house was his as was
proved by the will, that he had the right to do what he thought was
necessary. Finally, he asked the judge to deny Mrs. Daniels' petition.

"Gentlemen, if neither of you have nothing further to add, this court is in
recess for thirty minutes while I think this over," the judge related as he
stood up to leave.

As the judge left for his chambers he gave Malcolm a wink and
smile. Malcolm stood up and made his way out of the courtroom, only to find
the hallway packed with his friends. They parted and watched as Malcolm
made his way through the crowd, coming to stop in front of his new brothers
and Patrick.

"What's this Patrick?" Malcolm asked.

"Not my idea, dude, and why didn't you tell me you had two new brothers?"
Patrick replied.

"Well, first off, who's idea was it and, second, if you had come to the
hospital you would have been told," Malcolm said.

"Oh, well, we've been kinda busy, and this was Zeke's idea. He wanted to
show you that he cared about you."

"Well, I care about them both. Come here Zeke," Malcolm smiled and hugged
his new brother. "Thanks, bro, this means a lot to me."

"You're not angry then?" Zeke whimpered.

"No way, dude, but does Dad know?" Malcolm asked.

"Uh huh. He's busy doing some stuff, but he said that if we stayed with
Patrick and his friends then it would be okay to come here," Zeke
whispered.

"Well, I guess you will have to stay with them a bit longer, 'cause this
isn't over yet, and they won't let anyone else in there, not after what
happened."


"We know, and we will wait out here, even if it takes all day," Patrick
spoke up. Oh, and you had better read this. It is a list of changes we want
to see happening with the school board."

"Who wrote this up?"

"We all did. Mr. Lawson and a few others helped, so it should be done
right."

"Okay, I'll read it over. Anyone got any juice?"

"Malcolm, you don't have time to read that or to have juice. We have to get
back in there," Mr. Stillman spoke up.

"Sir, I know we have to go back in, but if my friends came here to support
me then I think it would be only fair to read what they have written since
we are fighting beside them also," Malcolm stated.

"And you expect the judge to say okay, that this school strike is more
important that his verdict?"

"Well, if you will just let me read this I might get it finished before it
is time to go in."

"Oh, I guess I never thought of that."

"Malcolm, take it with you and read it in there or afterwards, but you have
to be ready because we are calling another rally for next weekend."

"Is it being covered?"

"Yeah, CNN has agreed to come back."

"Great! And just where is this rally being held?"

"The stadium. The theater's manager said we couldn't use it again."

"Okay. What about a sound system?"

"Malcolm, sorry to interrupt but we have to go back in."

"Okay, be right there. Look, let's meet at Mike's Place after this and you
can fill me in on everything."

"But Malcolm, dad is picking us up."

"Oh, I guess that is out of the question then."

"We'll meet you here after you're finished."

"Okay, and again, thanks."

Turning, Malcolm started walking back towards the courtroom as the students
started applauding. Malcolm was about to enter the court when he turned,
smiled and waved, and again thanked everyone.

Approaching their table with his lawyer he could see the judge looking at
him.

"Mr. Daniels, this is a courthouse. Now, would you care to explain what all
that clapping was about?" the judge asked.

"Well, sir, I guess you could say it was my support team. Sir, my two new
little brothers told my friends that I was here and they came to show me
that they cared. The clapping you heard was their way of saying they are
happy that Zeke and Aaron now have a great home," Malcolm answered, a small
smile playing on his lips.


Email me if you wish me to continue. thewriter1@live.ca